Dog Bite Cases

While many dogs are capable of attacking humans, certain breeds are responsible for a disproportionate number of incidents. Pit bulls are often the most feared, but Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers, and chows also made the list in a study by the Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs.

At Balke & Williams, we represent adults and children across McHenry County who have suffered disfiguring lacerations, puncture wounds, and broken bones from dog bites and animal attacks. As in any personal injury case, we begin an immediate and aggressive investigation into the facts to protect your rights and maximize potential claims.

Illinois does not have a “one free bite” law. If you or a child has been bitten by a dog, you need to act quickly. Call our office at (312) 986-8063 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers.

Don’t leave your case up to chance. By hiring an attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of dog bite case law, you can move forward with confidence and assurance.

What To Do After Sustaining A Dog Bite Injury

If you were bitten by a dog in Illinois, you should first identify the animal and their owner as soon as possible. From there, animal control should be called as you seek immediate medical treatment. If possible, take pictures of the injury and the dog – and contact any witnesses who may have seen the attack.

Any evidence you can collect on the scene will be helpful in pursuing your dog bites lawsuit. Here are some examples of how dog bite attacks often occur:

• An unleashed dog at a park attacks someone walking their own dog.
• While playing outside at her grandmother’s home, a child is attacked by a neighbor’s dog.
• A landlord fails to warn of a vicious or dangerous dog in the building, and the dog attacks someone passing by.

Our dog bite injury lawyers take a comprehensive approach to ensure you receive fair compensation once the full extent of your injuries is determined. You or your child may have suffered severe lacerations or puncture wounds that caused scarring or disfigurement. These claims can result in significant recoveries against responsible owners, landlords, and homeowners insurance carriers – especially when the injuries are permanent.

What Damages Can I Recover From A Successful Claim?

In Illinois, a successful dog bite claim has the potential to cover medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and rehabilitation costs. Depending on the facts of your case, you may also recover financial resources for loss of future earnings or punitive damages for egregious negligence. 

Get The Legal Support You Deserve

Where should you turn for help with your dog bite claim? 

If you sustained an injury as a result of a dog bite, the professionals at Balke & Williams will stop at nothing to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. We understand that being bit by an animal is frightening and painful, especially for children. Such an incident can result in not only physical injuries but emotional distress as well. Make sure you receive compensation for all your losses by working alongside a qualified attorney today. 

At Balke & Williams, we offer free consultations to discuss what happened and answer your legal questions. Schedule a time to speak with one of our experienced lawyers via email or by calling our office at (312) 986-8063.

We have offices in Crystal Lake and Warrenville, IL, and we are pleased to provide our services to surrounding areas.